Carpet Weaving Specialist

Job Summary Lead the technical implementation of all carpet-weaving activities under the livelihoods project. Assess beneficiaries’ existing carpet-weaving skills, production capacity, equipment, and technical needs. Provide practical training and coaching on carpet weaving techniques, knotting, patterns, designs, color combinations, finishing, and quality standards. Support beneficiaries to improve the quality, consistency, and productivity of carpet production. Provide technical guidance on appropriate carpet-weaving tools, looms, raw materials, yarn, dyes, and other required inputs. Introduce improved designs and techniques while preserving traditional Afghan carpet-making skills and cultural heritage. Conduct quality control inspections throughout the production process and provide corrective technical advice. Support beneficiaries to understand buyer requirements, quality specifications, dimensions, designs, colors, and market trends. Coordinate closely with the Business Development & Market Linkage Officer to ensure carpet production is aligned with market demand and buyer requirements. Support the development of product samples and collections suitable for local, national, and potential export markets. Provide guidance on carpet washing, trimming, finishing, packaging, storage, and presentation. Organize practical demonstrations, refresher training, and skills-development sessions for beneficiaries. Identify highly skilled beneficiaries who can serve as master trainers or lead weavers. Monitor production progress, quality, and beneficiary performance through regular field visits. Maintain proper records of training, production, beneficiaries, materials, and technical outputs. Coordinate with local artisans, carpet associations, traders, designers, and other relevant stakeholders. Document lessons learned, best practices, challenges, and success stories. Prepare regular technical reports and contribute to project reporting. Ensure all activities are implemented in line with CHA and UNHCR standards and safeguarding principles. Perform other relevant duties assigned by the organization. Job Requirements Candidates with proven practical experience and strong hands-on technical skills in sericulture and silk production will be given preference. Bachelor’s degree or diploma in Carpet Design, Textile, Fine Arts, Handicrafts, Vocational Education, or a related field is preferred. Minimum 3–5 years of practical professional experience in carpet weaving, carpet production, design, quality control, or related fields. Strong practical knowledge of traditional Afghan carpet weaving techniques, designs, patterns, knotting, yarn, dyes, and finishing processes. Demonstrated experience in training and mentoring carpet weavers, particularly women and community-based producers. Experience working with NGOs/INGOs or livelihoods projects is highly desirable. Good understanding of the Afghan carpet market and value chain, particularly in Herat and the Western Region, is an advantage. Knowledge of current carpet designs, buyer preferences, quality standards, and market trends. Strong training, communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills. Ability to conduct practical demonstrations and provide hands-on technical coaching. Willingness to travel frequently to project locations. Good documentation and reporting skills. Fluency in Dari, Pashto and English.